25/07/2025
THE EIGHTH SET: WEATHER THE STORM AND RIDE THE WAVE
Dear Graduands,
It would be imprudent of me not to celebrate each of you on completing the most formative stage of your education—the next level is narrow. In your euphoric mood—when your heads are lifted to the sky, your feet rooted in history, your eyes fixed on the unfolding future, and your souls gallivanting in gratitude to your God—I say, rejoice and bask in your victory. I must confess: you have stayed and studied in this great college for thirty-three months and some days—a feat I doubt I could have endured beyond four months, were I in your shoes. For that forbearance, I salute your courage, envy your resilience, and celebrate you like a lone soldier returning from a war-torn land. I doff my cap to each of you. Once again, to the Class of 2025—CONGRATULATIONS! Let’s toast to the next level—a journey that promises to be soothingly adventurous.
In this moment of your celebration—when your dopamine has surged and your adrenaline has spiked—let me lay these truths before you unequivocally: Your learning has just begun, for you have not learned everything yet. Life may seem hard going forward, but remember that the journey of life is never a smooth ride. School might be a scam, but education surely is not. In the same vein, never let your schooling interfere with your education. Your well-thought-out future plans may not unfold perfectly, but you will find your purpose. Lies are often richly favored, and truths may wallow in rejection—but stick to the truth. The more you tell the truth, the more your truthsense is strengthened. There are too many people around, but only a few are truly human. The reality of the world today will swallow up the weak, so be spirit-filled and courageous. Dreams can be fulfilled from your room, life ambitions can be achieved from your father’s garage, and you can reach for the stars from your own home. Climb every mountain on your path and let the world know of your existence. Remember this: No one is better than you in life—not the person in the A*o Villa, the White House, the Kremlin, the Red or Green Chamber, the Government House, the Office of the Principal or the Vice Chancellor, not even the richest person in Africa or the world. You are doing well in your own way, in your own lane, and in your own endeavors. Just hold integrity close to your heart. Every human being you meet is driven by either of the two forces: the love of money or the love for God. I beseech you to put God first. Let Him be at the epicenter of your thoughts, and then your decisions—always. Money should be a tool to use—never let it become your god. Pray for blessings, and build your wealth in stratas. You are exceptionally destined for prosperity in all you do!
In Physics, you were taught that a wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium, transferring energy without destroying the medium. In relation to that definition of a wave, life will test you—hard and continuously. Your energy, which your generation calls aura, is sacred and divine. So, find people who align with your energy and connect with them. You will face many turbulences and ordeals. Your journey will be undulating and full of naysayers. Your friends might make or mar you. Your family might not have the slightest knowledge about your passion. Your plans might be cancelled by others. Your peace might be disrupted. Your character might be assassinated. Your hopes and expectations might be dashed. Your excellence might go unappreciated. Your truth might be vilified. Your integrity will be questioned. Your lecturers may frustrate you. Society may disappoint you. Your governments may ignore your plights. All the aforementioned are disturbances you may experience—as the medium—but do not let any of them break or destroy you. They are life’s catalysts and propellants, pushing you toward the top of the ladder of success. Rise above every challenge by developing mental strength rooted in your innate abilities, capabilities, and the endless possibilities of life. Weather the storm—and your life will become one to be envied.
One of you might ask, “Sir, how do you want us to live?” I say: Live your life to the fullest by fulfilling all your dreams and purposes. Make sure you count—make sure you matter—among millions of nobodies. Compete with no one, because you are on a unique path to actualizing your purpose. Compare yourself to no one; when you do, you lose your individuality and uniqueness. Never give up on life. Never give in to failure. Invest in time—learn a technical or vocational skill during your gap years. Excellence and success are neither hereditary nor automatically passed down from parent to child—so build your craft skillfully. Be content with what you have. Show gratitude for the little things. Do not live to gratify yourself. Shun tardiness in your duties. Read voraciously, study enthusiastically. Your grades may not define who you are or what you can become. Search for knowledge. Seek understanding. Embrace wisdom. Save before spending, and live thriftily. Don’t judge. Don’t hate. Shun all biases and sentiments. Be a fair judge of character, and never let anyone recruit you into hating another person or tearing someone down. Flee from the counsel of evil men. Distance yourself from negative people and pessimists. If you can’t—or won’t—sympathize with someone going through life’s challenges, at least don’t mock them. Seek and embrace wise counsel. Be gentle with yourself. Be patient with others. If you can be anything, be kind. Your kindness may be abused, go unnamed, be unknown, or even forgotten—but remember: the universe has a way of rewarding every small act of kindness and love. Do right, and fear nothing. God will help you. Doing what is right may not always be convenient or applauded (because people prefer doing what is popular), but it will satisfy your soul. Be careful with monetary gifts—they could be a form of entrapment. Before accepting any money you didn’t work for or ask for, demand to know the reason and what it's in exchange for. Having money is pleasing to the body, soul, and spirit, but never let it lead you into wrongdoing. Never rob anyone of their money, property, dreams, or progress in life. Tell your truth, and never apologize for it. When depression calls, don’t pick up. When suicidal thoughts knock at your door, fall on your knees in prayer. Eat well—lots of vegetables and fruits, and less of junk food and soft drinks. Live healthy. Exercise regularly (even if only occasionally); it rejuvenates the body, eases stress, and boosts intelligence. Don’t do drugs, and don’t smoke cannabis. You might feel like you’re enjoying it at first, but the end is disastrous. Get enough sleep when you can—and when you can't, read or pray to your God. To step into your paradise: think good thoughts, speak positive words, and do good to everyone—even to those who disapprove of you. Be a proton! Just ride the wave of all the decadence in society—and you will succeed.
Lest I forget, I must remind you of someone above—a supernatural being who sees everything in the universe: God Almighty. As you go into the world and become more aware, you will be exposed to many beliefs, cultures, and doctrines. But whatever life throws at you, and wherever your path leads, remember: there is God. He is the Creator of life. Talk to Him daily—He listens. Even when it feels like He doesn’t, He still cares and saves. No matter what is said about prayer, it truly works. Let your faith come alive when you pray. Evil people are organized—they carry out their agenda subtly through sports, drinks, books, movies, clothing, contracts, media, and contacts. It is only through prayers to God Almighty that you can redeem yourself. Fast and pray when you can. In fact, pray and fast now. Be discerning, and you will go farther in life. Never join the trend of mocking God or ridiculing His testimonies in the lives of those who believe in His Word. On a final note, my young friends, I leave you with this admonition from the Holy Book: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Selah.
Life is a series of meetings and partings. People meet every day and eventually go their separate ways. As we prepare to part, here are my parting words of advice: Go forward, and march into your greatness. Explore the world. Fulfill your dreams. Be humble, be kind, and be courageous. Destroy the spirits of fear, greed, unforgiveness, and theft. Be prayerful. Read while others are partying. Study while others are glued to the media. Be passionate about your life goals. Make good friends. Connect with smarter people, not just the clever ones. Set principles—but be willing to compromise wisely when necessary. Develop your talents and skill sets. Get yourself a mentor, not a godfather. Never betray the trust others place in you. Dream big, and have confidence in yourself. Be diligent and effective in whatever you do. Love your parents, and respect your elders. Never demarket the land that raised you and gave you your first breath. Build bridges—don’t erect walls. Don’t just exist; make a meaningful impact in your world. Keep living. Planet Earth is but an atom in the universe, and you are an atom on Earth—so you matter. Always remember that. I love you—just as I loved your predecessors, and as I will love your successors under my tutelage. Love it or hate it, Government Science and Technical College, Kwali, Abuja, FCT has become a part of your life. You may try to erase it because you believe you deserved a better academic environment, but never forget the school that formed you. When God blesses you, remember to give back—to your school and to the educators who shaped you. Long live G.S.T.C., Kwali–Abuja!
Trust me, I am always one call away to celebrate your next win and your future successes. The success and abundance of the universe are yours—take it, and succeed. You will win!
Carpe diem.
Authored by:
Mr. Aremu, A.S. Abidemi Alaremu
Chemistry Teacher